28 Apr 2019

 President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on April 27 launched the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 2019 election manifesto anchored on economic transformation, job creation and equitable distribution of wealth.

The manifesto, which was launched in Gaborone, pledges to implement economic transformation through a comprehensive constitutional, legislative and policy review including land reforms, as well as revamping social protection programmes with a view to break the cycle of poverty.

“For economic growth and diversification, we need investment in productive export focused activities that will generate jobs, new sources of export earnings and tax revenues,” stated President Masisi.

It is envisaged that Botswana’s economy will transform from an upper middle income to a high income status characterised by high levels of productivity, competitiveness, sustainable jobs and achieving a knowledge based economy by the year 2036 as espoused by the national strategy.

“I am grateful to note that the Botswana Democratic Party is re-energised and has set out brilliant values, which are directly responsive to today’s voters’ needs; sustainable jobs, good governance, inclusivity, shared prosperity and respect for the rule of law,” he added.

The manifesto therefore, he said was a call to Batswana entrepreneurs to create products with local and international appeal as well as for all Batswana to work hard to be self-reliant and resolve to live dignified lives.

“Our employment creation will be enhanced through the development of the agriculture value chain, the tourism value chain as well as diamond and other mineral beneficiation for the benefit of our citizens,” President Masisi said.

In addition, he noted that government had partnered with the World Bank to develop a renewable energy strategy, whose objective was to unlock the country’s solar energy potential and take advantage of Botswana’s long hours of sunshine. 

Opportunities in this endeavour, he emphasised, lie in industrialising with a view to create jobs and export earnings in the process.

“We will therefore invest heavily in this sector to position Botswana to be a global player in clean energy while also meeting our climate change protocols,” President Masisi stated.

The Vice President and party chairperson, Mr Slumber Tsogwane noted that the new manifesto represented a new social contract, which symbolised a renewed mandate for the BDP.

Mr Tsogwane however, acknowledged challenges that rocked the party recently such as tensions ahead of the party’s Kang congress as well as indiscipline within the party structures.

Mr Tsogwane encouraged candidates to desist from overly relying on party resources for their campaigns. ENDS